At the National Institute of Eastern Languages and Civilizations located near the Seine in Paris, a notable Latvian language program has been in existence since the 1930s, offering students an opportunity to not only master the language but also gain insights into Latvian culture, history, and literature. The program is taught by six instructors and is recognized as one of the institute's oldest language offerings. The diversity of students encompasses both young learners with fresh perspectives and retirees eager to explore Latvia and learn its language after their careers have concluded.

Despite the challenges associated with mastering Latvian — noted for its complexity, especially in declensions during the first year — program director Ēriks Leburs believes that most students can overcome the initial hurdles. He emphasizes that while the first course presents significant challenges with grammar, the true difficulty arises later on with the intricate use of verbs, which is a different undertaking altogether due to the limited teaching resources available. This highlights an ongoing need for more educational materials to support the learning of this lesser-studied language in an international context.

The presence of international students interested in the Latvian language is not only a testament to the cultural curiosity surrounding Latvia but also reveals the challenges of sustaining a comprehensive language program abroad. As more individuals seek to connect with their heritage or simply explore new linguistic challenges, removing barriers to language learning becomes essential, making ongoing support and resources crucial for successfully maintaining such educational programs.